Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: Northern New Jersey Market

Bank of America • Wayne, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program, intended for people transitioning into a career as a Financial Advisor. The role provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), supports strategic and operational goals, and serves as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and a resource for the FA team.

The program begins with dedicated study time to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses. These licenses must be obtained within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, participants develop foundational client-associate skills. Following proficiency milestones and experiential activities demonstrating advisor readiness, participants progress to Financial Advisor trainee, where they receive dedicated training and begin building a book of business. After completing trainee performance requirements, the intended destination is becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor.

The program’s later stages involve sourcing and developing client relationships, assessing needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, coordinating with internal specialists, and managing a productive practice while meeting performance, training, compliance, and continuing-education requirements. The position is based in a Merrill office. The company describes an in-office culture with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs. The position is first shift and is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week.

The role requires SAFE Act registration and the associated background check and registration process. Failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination. Compensation is $35.90 per hour, with offers determined based on experience, education, and skill set. The position has a base salary and is not incentive eligible, and it is currently benefits eligible.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.
• Obtain SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.
• Meet SAFE Act registration requirements, including the required background check and registration process, and maintain good standing.
• Confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Ability to build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Proactive mindset and effective time-management skills.
• Results-driven growth mindset and ability to prioritize client interests.
• Ability to identify appropriate client solutions by applying learning and new information.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Proven ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and key partners, as well as independently.
• Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of work experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Provide client service support to multiple Financial Advisors and act as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs.
• Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products; seek guidance and escalate issues as needed.
• Educate clients about the bank’s service and banking offerings.
• Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
• Help ensure practices follow bank policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by communicating the bank’s offerings and encouraging integration of banking into day-to-day practices; communicate relevant outputs to the Financial Advisor.
• Provide business-development, investment-solutions, and/or business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles as the program progresses.
• Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activity, customer follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and professional development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget resources to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise when appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing-education requirements.
• Build client relationships, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies intended to help clients achieve their financial goals and priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with relevant Bank of America and Merrill solutions.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits; specific benefit types are not listed.
• Access to paid time off.
• Training and onboarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED